Plea deals resolve county court cases

William D. Anson, 37, of Orchard appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom inNeligh on July 21, for a pretrial hearing on a theft by shoplifting charge committed April 24 at Bomgaars in Neligh.

Anson changed his plea to guilty, pursuant to a plea deal with Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler. In return, Abler agreed to file no additional charges in the case. Abler offered no objection to a defense request to delay sentencing until after Aug. 4. Taylor set sentencing for Aug. 18. Bond in the amount of $5,000, 10% cash, posted May 13 is continued. Anson is represented by Antelope County public defender Melissa Figueroa of Norfolk.

Timothy A. Robbins, 43, of Elgin appeared for pretrial hearing on a charge of third-degree domestic assault, a Class I misdemeanor.

Robbins pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor, pursuant to a plea agreement with Abler. Abler also agreed to file no additional charges stemming from the incident and recommended a fine only. The new charge carries a potential penalty of up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail or both.

Abler said the victim was aware of the plea agreement.

The victim, who was sitting in the courtroom, was addressed by Taylor. “I just want my husband home,” she replied.

Taylor fined Robbins $400 and assessed $50 costs of prosecution.

He was represented by Figueroa.

Johnathon N. Crocker, 27, of Neligh faced Taylor for further arraignment on a Class 3 misdemeanor charge of driving under suspension. Crocker had filed proof of obtaining his driver’s license and pleaded guilty. He was fined $100 and assessed $50 costs for the offense committed May 24. He was self-represented.

A Class 2 misdemeanor charge of violating a harassment protection order, filed against Crocker by Abler on June 15, was dismissed July 16, with costs in the case waived.

Pepper W. Marchant, 22, of Neligh appeared to be sentenced for violating terms of a 24-month term of probation ordered in February. Taylor continued sentencing to Oct. 6, along with a hearing to waive jail time ordered as part of the probation. Commencement of the jail term was continued to Nov. 1.

Marchant pleaded guilty, by waiver, to a new charge, possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction. He was fined $100 and $49 costs. He was cited May 11 by a Neligh police officer.

Russell L. Meyer, 62, of Orchard appeared for a pretrial hearing on a Class 2 misdemeanor charge of second-degree trespass/ defy order to leave, alleged May 1 in Orchard.

Taylor set jury selection and trial to begin Aug. 30 and sustained an oral motion for release of jury names and questions to both attorneys. She denied Meyer’s request for a different attorney. His reason was that he wasn’t happy with how Figueroa was representing him.

Taylor told him he could request Figueroa’s discharge. “But then you will have to represent yourself or hire (an attorney),” she said. “There are legally recognized conflicts of interest but you not being happy is not one.”

Meyer replied he could not afford to hire an attorney.

Matthew F. Brandt, 34, of Royal was granted continuance of sentencing for leaving the scene of a property-damage accident, a Class 2 misdemeanor committed

Jan. 28 in Orchard. Taylor continued sentencing to Aug. 4. Brandt is represented by Figueroa.

Matthew Jung, 37, of Norfolk requested a continuance, citing the lack of a ride to court. Taylor sustained the request and set further arraignment for Aug. 4 Bond, filed April 28, in the amount of $1,500, 10%, is continued.

Jung is charged with four counts alleged April 28, three miles west of Plainview on Highway 20, Count I, driving during time of suspension/revocation, a Class 3 misdemeanor; Count II, possession of marijuana, less than one ounce, first offense, an infraction; Count III, possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction; and Count IV, speeding, 78 miles per hour in 65 mph zone, an infraction. Jung waived his right to counsel but requested continuance of arraignment June 16.

Jared Blevins, 36, and Jennifer Blivens, 35, of Pierce both requested continuance of preliminary hearings, through their respective court-appointed attorneys, Brad Montag of Norfolk nd Figueroa. The Blivens are each charged with a Class 4 felony count of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, alleged May 14, north of Oakdale. Taylor continued both preliminary hearings to Aug. 18. Bonds, each in the amount of $10,000, 10%, filed May 16 and May 15, respectively, are continued as well.

Sada L. Carr, 34, of Oakdale was granted continuance of a pretrial hearing on two counts of second-degree forgery, $500- $1,500. The complaint, filed by Antelope County Attorney, Joe Abler, referenced a bill of sale and title, with Count I alleged Dec. 14-15, 2020, and Count II, Jan. 2 this year. Taylor continued the hearing to Aug. 4. Carr is represented by court-appointed defender, Martin Klein of Neligh.